Staying Fitness Focused with Katie Austin

SI Swimsuit | Mar 17, 2021

It's official! Spring is around the corner and, I am ALL about it! Especially because it means that we are one step closer to summer...

This is the time of year when many of us hit a wall with our fitness journeys and start to slack on goals that we set at the beginning of the year. To be honest, I've been there, and I was actually there a few weeks ago. The feeling of really not wanting to workout, getting bored with your workouts, and just not finding as much motivation anymore. And as we all know, motivation is KEY!

I'm being totally real with you here, it's tough for me to stay on track without a goal or a date to look forward to. That's why I love being able to rally around the start of summer, and I want to share some of the things that I do to help me stay on track.

No drastic changes. It's just a compilation of minor tweaks and changes in my mindset and routine that really add up over time.

Here are five tips to staying fitness-focused with summer only a few weeks away!

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Whenever I hit a fitness wall, I ask myself if there is anything new I really want to try workout-wise. One month, I took two boxing classes and three hot yoga sculpt classes. Even just getting out of your comfort zone once a week can REALLY help.

I know I'm huge on at-home workouts (obviously!) but I think once a week or once every two weeks it is necessary to get outside and get some fresh air or a try and new online class/activity. This will really help with your overall mental health and motivation. Changing up your routine every once in a while, and if you are looking for a good low, impact, cardio workout – trying this one HERE!

2. Find a workout/accountability partner

I know we can't physically do this right now, but having a virtual workout partner is SO IMPORTANT! Someone to keep you motivated and hold you accountable. I've been working out with my mom and boyfriend a lot more lately, and it's helped because I almost feel like exercise is not as big of a burden or any intimidation factor is there. It's fun working out with someone else. Especially with this fantastic SI community, I'm sure you can find a friend to work out with virtually!

3. Don't skip meals and DRINK WATER

This one is huge. Some people will think that if you have a big meal for dinner, they are going to skip breakfast, or if you have a huge lunch, you should skip dinner. This is not good! To stay fit, you actually should not skip your meals! Just make it a lighter meal – try to stay on track with having breakfast, lunch and dinner! Also, friendly reminder: Remember to drink enough water!

4. Don't underestimate the power of in-home workouts

Just because it still might be cold out and it's not as easy to get outside and move around, it doesn't mean you can't get in an amazing workout. Get creative and get moving! There are endless ways you can work out in the comfort of your own home. Blast some music in your house and use different pieces of furniture to do exercises on. You can check out the hundreds of different in-home workouts on the Katie Austin App! I have everything from kickboxing to HIIT to pilates to cardio to yoga. I've got something for everyone!!

5. Always keep your goals in mind

Last but not least, remember how far you've come and how much you want to keep your goals. It's so easy to cover up in bulky clothing and sit on the couch, but focus on all the effort you have put in so far and all the good you felt when you were exercising. Look ahead and realize how happy you will be if you keep up your fitness and nutrition during the spring. Look forward to the warmer months. But also remember, don't set yourself up for failure. Meaning, don't have your goal be too big to reach, or your workout be too hard to complete. Be realistic about it, so you feel proud of yourself. Feeling accomplished from within is so important!

If you're feeling a bit unmotivated lately, know you're not alone! I don't feel motivated all the time either. But when I workout 4-5 times a week and eat healthy 75% of the time, I feel so good about myself by the end of the week.

Not only am I physically more energized and productive, but I am also confident and just internally pleased with myself. It's important to remember how AMAZING you feel after you work out and never forget that feeling.

LET'S GET OUT THERE AND GET AFTER IT. Countdown to summer is ON!

Love you SI fam!! xx, Katie